While there are few, there are indeed also some challenges to e-learning, let’s take a look:
- For e-learning you need technical knowledge: In order to be able to use e-learning, you of course need an internet-capable computer, you have to be able to use it and also be fit with online media. Even today, some people still have deficits or are not adequately equipped with the necessary technology. But with a little help, you can quickly get up to speed.
- You should also be prepared to deal with any technical problems. It is of course perfect when you have someone by your side who can help you quickly and easily in such a case.
- We mentioned it as an advantage above. But the opposite can also be the case because not everyone (always) has the necessary self-discipline to achieve the desired workload. Those who cannot motivate themselves need support here too in order to achieve the learning goal.
- It often happens that the participants are left quite alone . However, support is urgently required, especially when it comes to difficult and complex issues. The social component that is present in face-to-face meetings is also omitted. And since everything in e-learning takes place on the screen, you get tired possibly much faster.
We have seen that there are numerous possibilities for e-learning methods. Different offers in different areas make up the increasing popularity. Self-employed use it, among other things, for further training and refreshing knowledge. Companies are increasingly recognizing the great potential, for example for employee training. A big market for all those who are looking for an idea to start their own business. So if you are considering offering e-learning yourself in the future, we now have a few suggestions on what to look out for.
Which target group do you want to reach and what is the purpose of your e-learning offer?
For your offer to be successful, you have to know your target group and their needs or those of your client exactly. So, ask yourself who should be addressed, what is the content, how can it best be conveyed and what does the target group need for it. If you manage to pick up the intended participants right there and tailor the offer exactly to that, you will create a rock-solid basis.
This is extremely important for success. The smarter, simpler, more intuitive and more user-friendly your offer is, the easier it will be for the participants to cope with it. Nothing is worse than when the participants are overwhelmed or annoyed at the beginning because they cannot cope. This has a negative effect on motivation and ultimately on both your learning success and your success as a provider.
As in real life, the atmosphere always plays a role. In a draughty, bare and uncomfortable room with uncomfortable furniture, it is certainly not very easy to learn. The same goes for digital learning. Here you should pay attention to the design of your e-learning offer. It should be attractive, clear, modern and visually pleasant. Your participants should feel comfortable learning.
Also, attach importance to an interactive user interface. Simply relying on rigid texts is boring in the long run. Modern e-learning opens up many interactive and playful possibilities and elements for you. This keeps the participants involved and, in addition to the pure transfer of knowledge, also ensures variety and fun.
Since many e-learning methods lack personal contact, it is important to look for this in other ways with the participants. Ask them to give you feedback, also to express criticism or to share suggestions for improvements. Be present as a contact person and offer your help with (technical) problems. But the most important thing is that you get feedback on whether the participants are getting along with the content. The best training course is of no use if your participants are dissatisfied or go crazy because it is too difficult, complicated or confusing.
Which e-learning platforms are there?
Finally, there are a few examples of e-learning platforms for potential users.
Coursera offers video lectures by top lecturers on topics such as business, computer science, data processing, languages and much more. This platform is used to a large extent for training and further education. The website says: Get in-demand skills, prepare for your career, get a certificate or degree, and upgrade your company with training and development programs. (Source: https://de.coursera.org )
On Udemy 155,000 online video courses are currently being offered on various topics. According to its own statements, the platform describes itself as the leading global online platform for learners and teachers and you acquire skills for your professional and private life. Some of the categories that top experts offer courses in are IT, Design, Programming, Marketing, Business, Personal Development, Finance, and many more. The platform also offers jobs for lecturers. (Source: www.udemy.com )
Udacity is a private online academy that offers lectures and exams. With partner companies, courses are also developed for the world of work that combine education with professional skills. Main topics are computer science, programming, physics, mathematics, business administration and psychology. The platform is chargeable and sometimes quite expensive. (Source: www.udacity.com)
StudySmarter is a popular free learning platform for school and university students and everyone who still wants to learn something. It can be used on both the smartphone and the computer. With StudySmarter you can, among other things, create your own documents, share documents with the community or access them and use professional content. (Source: www.studysmarter.de)
Talent LMS is ideal for medium-sized companies. This platform is characterized by an optimal structure and scores with extremely good user-friendliness. It offers everything the user needs without being overloaded. There is a cloud in which material such as presentations, documents and videos can be flexibly uploaded or downloaded. Live training is also possible. Perfect for entrepreneurs with a few employees. (Source: www.talentlms.com/)
SAP Litmos is an intelligent cloud-based e-learning platform with a wide range of online courses. The programs can be used worldwide and their structure is designed for a wide variety of subject areas and learning types. In addition, incentives were created for users to increase motivation and "ambition". (Source: www.litmos.com/de-DE/)
Docebo is particularly user-friendly, can be used worldwide and is tailored to the personal needs of the user. In this way, certain tools can be used to filter out the strengths and weaknesses of the participants and thereby give them the support they need. (Source: www.docebo.com)
There are numerous other really good and effective e-learning platforms, the naming of which would go beyond the scope of today's framework. Ultimately, there is "only" the option of using our digital helpers and clicking through the various offers and finding what suits you.